Manchester United was not liable for the PIKs, which were held by Red Football Joint Venture and were secured on that company's shares in Red Football (and thus the club). Tom Brady threw three touchdowns, giving the evergreen 43-year-old quarterback a record-extending seventh championship ring. [80] Having already stated that they would only pay a "sensible" amount for the club, the group was thought to have baulked at the suggestion that the Glazers' valuation of the club was significantly higher than the amount they were willing to pay. The Glazer family's ownership of football giant Manchester United could be set to end. )[99], Malcolm Glazer died on 28 May 2014 at the age of 85. Facebook; Twitter; Facebook Messenger; Pinterest; Email; The Glazer family has been offered the financial backing to remain as owners of Manchester United by American hedge fund Elliott Management, sources have told ESPN, after the New York-based group registered an interest in investing in the Premier League club.. Elliott's emergence in the sale process of United opens up the prospect of . Ex-Chelsea ace Costa carried off with serious-looking injury for Wolves vs Spurs, Cherries take shock lead at Arsenal after 9 SECONDS with 'kick-off glitch', Spurs board fume at FA Cup exit with Kane benched as Levy expected trophy push, Moment Aston Villa's Leon Bailey inhales 'laughing gas' after all night party, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. In September, the Buccaneers signed Jewish quarterback Josh Rosen to their practice squad. A few days later, he took control of 75% of the club's shares, allowing him to delist the company from the London Stock Exchange, and within a month, the Glazers took 98% ownership of the club via their Red Football parent company, forcing a squeeze-out of the remaining 2%. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. With two champion teams in tow, expect them to make splashes on both sides of the bond. Their lucrative commercial strategy was a drastic . Plans were announced on 18 April and were unpopular with fans. [24] But who are the Glazers, how did they come to own Manchester United, and why are they so divisive? Kevin Glazer, philanthropist, is the founder, CEO, and owner of Glazer Properties. The Glazer Family currently owns The Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL and Manchester United. Malcolm Glazer. [1] The PIKs were eventually paid off in November 2010 by unspecified means. [35] By 13 May, the Glazers had bought a further 12.8% stake, taking their total ownership to 74.81%, just shy of the 75% threshold that would allow them to end the club's public limited company (PLC) status and delist it from the London Stock Exchange. [33], On 12 May 2005, Red Football announced that it had reached an agreement with shareholders J. P. McManus and John Magnier to purchase Cubic Expression's 28.7% stake in the club, which gave the Glazers a controlling stake with just under 57% of the club's shares. [21], Last edited on 25 February 2023, at 19:57, Bloomberg: "Malcolm Glazer, Manchester United, NFL Owner, Dies at 85" By Laurence Arnold, Tampa Bay Times: "The owner, the enigma Malcolm Glazer is not a sports guy, but he's in on some of sports' biggest deals. The team was largely run by Glazers sons, Joel, Bryan, and Edward. Bennett oversees the executive management team to ensure achievement of annual goals and serves as Company spokesman to external and Joel Glazer might be best known for owning the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but it's not the only sports team in the family's portfolio. The team did not make the playoffs again until the 2020 season under the leadership of Bruce Arians as coach and Tom Brady as quarterback. [4], Manchester United was formed as Newton Heath LYR F.C. Joel and Avram took over. Since the start of the 2005-06 Premier League season, the Glazer family have invested 1.5 billion ($2.06 billion) in transfers at Old. Having started out repairing watches in the 1950s, Malcolm's investment portfolio was wide ranging. [38], The Glazers' shareholding increased gradually to 76.2% by 23 May, when they made their final offer of 300 pence per share, with a deadline of 3p.m. on 13 June. Joel Glazer's late father Malcolm Glazer acquired the Premier League outfit in 2005. [3] Reuters quoted Glazer as saying his father's death "was probably the most tragic thing that ever happened in my life, but it was good in one way" because "it made me a man. At the closing price on the day of purchase of $15.84 per share, Baron Capital's total investment was valued at $151million (90million). Mal. The Glazer family already owned several businesses in the United States and had purchased the Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Football League franchise in 1995. Bookmark. At the peak of his business deals, Glazer failed in his bid to buy a government-owned . The Singapore flotation looked to be gaining traction in August 2011, when it emerged that the club had applied to list its shares on the Singapore Exchange;[84] approval for the listing was given in September 2011. Glazer devoted a significant amount of time working to make the organization more fan-friendly by greatly increasing fan activities at Buccaneers home games through the expansion of the club's community relations and special events departments. Bennett Glazer Chairman of the Board and CEO of Glazer's, Inc. Glazer's, Inc. is the parent company of Glazer's Beer and Beverage LLC. There is definite interest in the Red Devils, with United fan Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim of Qatar believed to of both made substantial bids. A small man with a reddish beard, he was referred to in the news media as "the leprechaun". Around 100 members of Greater Manchester Police were called to the stadium in an attempt to quell any violence, but there were reports of missiles being thrown at the police vans and chants of "die, Glazer, die"; two people were arrested. They also placed fourth on the Deloitte Football Money League in 2021, with only Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich ahead. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. He also acquired Manchester United as he. [29], On 12 February 2004, the Glazers increased their stake in the club to 16.31% and the following day's Financial Times reported that they had instructed Commerzbank to explore a takeover bid. Its official: the Kansas City Chiefs will be playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 55th Super Bowl in Florida. The Glazer family were Jews who never had a great time during the Holocaust. Glazer's was originally founded in Dallas, Texas, back in 1909 by Lou Glazer and his wife, Bessie. The pair owned 28.7% of shares in the club, and also invested in Irish racehorse Rock of Gibraltar with Ferguson. In response to rumours, Woodward told club fanzine United We Stand that the Glazers are in it for the long-term,with no plans to sell the club. The Glazer family had a net worth of US$ 4 billion in 2014, when Macolm Glazer passed away. [13] During Martin Edwards' time as chairman, Manchester United was the subject of several takeover bids; the first came from media tycoon Robert Maxwell, who bid 10million in February 1984, but the sale fell through before any serious talks could take place. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman was linked with a string of takeover attempts, Foden is BACK - but what's up with Haaland?! Ed Woodward, who became the club's executive vice-chairman. The interest payment is one thing but what about the actual 660million? He eventually bought the watch repair concession at the Sampson Air Force Base near New York, turning it into a successful business and eventually moving into real estate. The Glazer family has spent about $2.06 billion on transactions since the 2005-06 Premier League season began, which equates to over 1.5 billion. Welcome , @Cristiano #MUFC | #Ronaldo. While paying dividends was common in business, Manchester United were the sole Premier League club to "pay regular dividends of any kind", reported The Daily Telegraph in May 2021. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were not an established team, having reached the postseason just thrice in their existence until then, and many people would have thought him to have overspent. Once the club was secured, shares would then be offered to fans, allowing them to take ownership of the club. As well as his involvement with United, Joel is co-chairman, with brothers Bryan and Edward, of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the NFL franchise the family bought in 1995. It's believed the Glazers are considering selling United . [103] Two days later, more than 2,000 attended a second protest outside Old Trafford to advocate for the 50+1 rule seen in German football. She is co-president and main driving force of the Glazer Family Foundation which established a Childrens Museum in Tampa and does a lot of philanthropic work in the city, much of it linked to the Bucs. the club's debt had risen by 133% to 474 million ($618m), with revenues impacted heavily by the Covid-19 pandemic. [30] The Glazers increased their shareholding to over 19% the following June, although they were still not the largest shareholders. The Glazers, who also own the. In the years since, it is widely reported the takeover has cost the club well over 1 billion ($1.3bn) in interest and other fees. [61] The loans were by then accruing interest at a rate of 16.25%, as the club's overall debt had exceeded its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) by more than five times. [1] When the base closed in 1956, he expanded into real estate investing in single-family homes, duplexes and commercial buildings in Rochester, eventually owning commercial real estate across America. [17] They had five sons, Avram Glazer, Kevin Glazer, Bryan Glazer, Joel Glazer and Edward Glazer, and one daughter, Darcie S. Glazer Kassewitz. Edward is the co-president of the Glazer Family Foundation. The team also won in 2021 on their home field against the Kansas City Chiefs. [23], Meanwhile, Avram Glazer the son of Malcolm Glazer was looking into investment in European football. [14], Glazer also oversaw the operations of the far-reaching Glazer Family Foundation's Vision Program, created in 2006 to provide school children with an opportunity to have vision problems identified in schools at an early age. , 'They're taking the p*ss!' [1] In 1976, he purchased three television stations for $20million including WRBL in Columbus, Georgia. You can reach him at [emailprotected] and on Twitter @davidianklein. His mandate to enhance the team's visibility in the community was reflected through increased appearances by Buccaneer players, coaches, cheerleaders and front office officials in recent years. [40] On 7 June, Avram Glazer and his brothers Joel and Bryan were appointed to the Manchester United board as non-executive directors. At the time of his draft, Rosen told the leagues online magazine that he was motivated to peform by the anti-Semitic slurs he often hears on the field. United were debt-free when the Glazers took over in 2005, but the takeover deal advised onbyWoodward reportedly saddled the club with over 500 million ($920m) worth of debt . Like his parents, Malcolm Glazer had many children of his own, six in fact. This took him to around 57% ownership, well over the 30%threshold at which he was required to launch a takeover bid. [87] More details of the sale were released at the end of July, with the club announcing that they intended to sell 16.7million shares (approximately 10% of the club) at between $16 and $20 each, raising up to $330million (210million). [5] In 1901, the club was in over 2,500 of debt and facing a winding-up order;[6] however, they were saved by local brewer John Henry Davies, who changed their name to Manchester United in 1902. Manchester United are currently owned by the six children of the late former owner Malcolm Glazer: Avram, Joel, Kevin, Bryan, Darcie and Edward Glazer. Malcolm Glazer took hold of a majority stake in the club in 2005 through investment company Red Football Ltd. In January 2009, Glazer and his family hired Raheem Morris as head coach of the Buccaneers, making him the youngest head coach in the National Football League upon his appointment. January 26, 2021. Bennett is the third-generation family member to lead a Glazer's family business. Glazers first step into sports ownership came as he bought NFL side the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following the death of former owner Hugh Culverhouse in 1995, for a then-record $192 million (122m). [94] Club records announced in November 2012 revealed that gross debt had fallen to 359.7million after the share sale paid off 62.6million of bonds. Adam is a natural people person and is very hands-on in all aspects of the property management business. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner Joel Glazer celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, Some United fans have taken to wearing their original colours of yellow and green in protest against the Glazer ownership of the club, Manchester United last won the Premier League in 2012-13 and have not come close to winning it since, Owners of Manchester United Avram Glazer and Joel Glazer attend a training session, Joel Glazer celebrates after the win of the Buccaneers at the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 7, Manchester United board member Bryan Glazer, centre, with Avi Glazer, left, and Joel Glazer, right, sons of Malcolm Glazer, Tampa Bay Buccaneers owners Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, second from left, with Bryan Glazer, second right, and Joel Glazer, right, watch warm ups before the Super Bowl 2021, Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans flood the streets to celebrate historic home game Super Bowl win, thumped the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 to win the Super Bowl, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). The Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) has been looking to return ownership of the club to supporters since2005, and came close in 2010. He ventured into real estate in Rochester, New York, and soon owned various estates across the country. They also reported pre-tax profits of 6.9million, an increase of 9.6million after making a loss of 2.7million the previous year. Theyve supported Jewish community organizations in Tampa. Under their tenure, the Buccaneers won their first Super Bowl in 2003 and opened a new stadium where home team touchdowns are marked by cannons firing from a 103-foot replica pirate ship. Mark Dominik was also fired at that time, lasting five seasons. [92], The shares debuted on the NYSE on 10 August 2012, and initially showed a slight rise to $14.05 per share, but closed the day back at the offer price of $14 each, valuing the club as a whole at $2.3billion, and making it one of the most valuable sports teams in the world. Manchester United fans have been warned to expect the Glazer family to respond stubbornly to their . An argument over stud rights led to the businessmen wanting out of the club, with Glazer buying their shares in May 2005. in 1878 by the workers in the Carriage and Wagon Works of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway's Newton Heath depot. The team's website states she is the "driving force behind many of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' innovative, forward-thinking fan engagement and community outreach initiatives, retail activation, and facility design". Under his watch, though, they won their first Super Bowl, leaving him vindicated. And everyone's talking about him, except him. United of Manchester. [110] The protest gained significant news coverage. [32] In February 2005, over 400 Manchester United fans held a protest at Old Trafford against a potential Glazer takeover. [90] Furthermore, holders of class A shares would not be entitled to a regular dividend, and the structure of the share issue meant that the Glazers' class B shares had 10 times the voting power of class A shares, essentially denying a controlling interest in the club to anyone but the Glazers. [71], Meanwhile, membership of the Manchester United Supporters' Trust passed the 100,000 mark on 3 March, before exceeding 125,000 a week later. Mehmet Dalman, involved in Glazers eventual takeover, claimed he had been summoned to Libya in 2004 and later told The Sunday Times that Colonel Gaddafi had been a whisker away from sealing the deal. Dividends published in the clubs 2018-19 accountstotalled 23 million ($30m). The family owns the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the NFL as well as. On 26 September 2003, it was reported that they had increased their share to 3.17%,[27] taking their shareholding above the 3% threshold that required them to inform the club's management. He paid $192million, a league record at that time. Glazer committed $2million to the Commission. View our online Press Pack. Bryan Glazer donated $4 million to the Tampa Jewish Community Center to help construct a 100,000-square-foot sports and recreation facility. Manchester United Football Club is an English football club based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester. He was famously dubbed a slumlord after his holding company, First Allied Corporation, was accused by residents of adding illegal extra charges onto trailer park rent payments. Although the share prospectus specified that the proceeds from the sale would go towards paying down the club's debts, it was revealed that much of the money would go directly to the Glazers. The initial goal of the group was to increase the Supporters' Trust's membership to at least 100,000, to demonstrate the fans' support for a change in ownership. [3], Some Manchester United fans opposed Glazer's takeover of the club, particularly once they realised the level of debt that the club would have to take on after having been debt-free for so many years. Your login session has expired. Disgruntled fans launched the football club F.C. [36] On 16 May, the Glazers took their shareholding in Manchester United to 75.7%,[37] and a month later, on 22 June, they removed the club's shares from the stock exchange for the first time in 14 years. After the success of the Buccaneers, United is mounting its best title challenge since winning its record 20th English league trophy in 2013. He was the president and chief executive officer of First Allied Corporation, a holding company for his varied business interests, and owned both Manchester United (dilapidated) of the Premier League and the Tampa Bay . [9] Glazer acquired ownership of United in a 790m takeover by gradually buying out United shareholders between 2003 and 2005. The team's website states he is "working tirelessly to support the Buccaneers franchise and brand". The Glazer clan built a commercial real estate fortune through First Allied Corporation, which today owns more than 6.7 million square feet of premium shopping center space across the U.S. What. Please email us at [emailprotected], subject line republish, with any questions or to let us know what stories youre picking up. [13], In addition to his business ventures, Glazer was also involved in philanthropic efforts. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. The America Glazer family bought the club for $939.07 million in 2005 in a highly leveraged deal that has been criticized for loading debt onto the club. How much have the Glazers spent on Man United transfers? Bryan, Joel, and Edward Glazer are still serving in their posts after their father's death. [70] This announcement was accompanied by a statement from the Glazers' spokesperson that the club was not for sale,[69] as well as public support from David Gill, who claimed that the Glazers were "running the club the right way". It gets my competitive juices flowing, Rosen said. Tampa Bay was the only team in the league to play in the postseason each year from 1999 to 2002. Avram Glazer put 70 million ($97m) worth of his shares up for sale. In today's video, we welcome Chris Blackhurst onto the Webby & O'Neill channel to discuss the Glazer family who owns the Manchester United football club. The Glazer family owns two of the biggest names in sports: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the current Super Bowl Champions, and Manchester United, an iconic soccer club based out of England with a worldwide following. Glazer once recalled that his dad only left the family $300 in a cigar box. By the end of 2003, Glazer had increased his shareholding from 3.17% to around 15%, which he almost doubled in the year up to October 2004. 6 reviews of Glazer Family Playground "The marine themed Glazer Family Playground was completed in 2019 and it opened in July. During its existence, the foundation has donated millions in programs, tickets, grants and in-kind contributions. [1] In 1984, he founded First Allied Corporation, a holding company for his various endeavors[1] where he served as president and chief executive officer. In addition, the family named longtime Director of Pro Personnel Mark Dominik as the fourth general manager in club history. Lord Jim O'Neill and Sir Paul Marshall were part of that group and re-entered the stage in 2021 to support the idea of a 50+1 model. [101], In April 2021, Joel Glazer played a major role in controversial plans to have Manchester United compete in a European Super League. The Glazer family has owned the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 1995, when American tycoon Malcolm Glazer paid a then-record $192million for the franchise. Prior to the Glazers takeover in 2005, media mogul Rupert Murdoch had attempted to buy the club in 1999, having a 623 million ($1bn) offer accepted by the United board. But the clubs ownership is a highly controversial topic, with Uniteds current owners the Glazers unpopular with many fans. Avram Glazer is an American businessman. Darcie is the executive vice-present of First Allied Corporation. Manchester United Football Club could finally be sold by its American owners after a 17-year reign dominated by fan protests and declining on-pitch performance. [10] Glazer's takeover was protested by a large portion of United's fans due to financial concerns. Avram Glazer, Man United owner, refuses to apologise over European Super League plot, as Sky News confronts him in Florida Despite being asked several questions, Mr Glazer did not engage and drove off without saying anything. The location was once the home of the Fort Homer W. Hesterly Armory, a former military installation that had been dedicated the day before the attack on Pearl Harbor. I n 2005, a generation ago now, when supporters were first protesting against the pending takeover of Manchester United by the Glazer family, the approach of the football authorities was mostly to . You must credit the Forward, retain our pixel and preserve our canonical link in Google search. [109][110] It was the first time a Premier League match had been postponed because of supporter protests in the competition's history. To correct that sequence, they bet heavily on brining Tom Brady to Tampa and were rewarded with an instant Super Bowl. Malcom Glazers father was a watchmaker, who passed away when Malcom was just 14-years-old. Up to $10 000 in daily prizes. A note to . Glazer was born in Rochester, New York, the fifth of seven children of Lithuanian-Jewish immigrants, Abraham and Hannah Glazer. That said, recent reports from the Financial Times have claimed that the club is only worth 1.3bn according to new analysis. By 1970s, he had also expanded into buying television stations. Their late father, Malcolm, bought Manchester United in 2005. he sale of Manchester United is being delayed as the Glazer family holds out for a 6 billion offer . The late Malcolm Glazer was the family patriarch, acquiring his wealth in real estate and other business interests. The club was the subject of takeover bids from media tycoon Robert Maxwell in 1984 and property trader Michael Knighton in 1989, before going public in 1991; they received another takeover bid from Rupert Murdoch's BSkyB corporation in 1998 before Malcolm Glazer's stake was announced in September 2003. , How Man Utd can end their Anfield hoodoo , Where next for Neymar? Kevin is co-chairman of First Allied Corporation, the real estate company which is the foundation of the familys fortune. [54], On 11 January 2010, shortly before an announcement that Red Football's debt had increased to 716.5million ($1.17billion),[57] Manchester United announced their intention to refinance the debt through a bond issue worth approximately 500million. The team is still owned by Glazers estate, but since his death in 2014 its been co-chaired by his sons Bryan, Edward and Joel. Attendees paid anywhere from $35,000 and $250,000 to attend, with the objective of raising $5 million for Trump's re-election campaign. United said the Glazer family was exploring outside funding to enhance growth a move that could pave the way to a potential buyout. In 2005, the Glazers also acquired the famed British soccer team Manchester United. However, the bid fell through when the Red Knights refused to meet the Glazers' valuation of the club. Malcolm Glazer started accumulating shares of United in 2003 on the advice of his sons. As a result of the protests, a delayed kickoff was required for the game as players and match officials were unable to get to the stadium by the original 16:30 kickoff time. After a brief and unfinished stint in college, Glazer followed his father into the trade and worked as a watch repairman on an army base in upstate New York. [69], Later that day, Manchester United announced that their gross debt for the final three months of 2009 totalled 507.5million, a reduction of 30.6million compared to the same period in 2008. United are owned by the Malcolm Glazer family. Manchester United fans protest against. See our full guidelines for more information, and this guide for detail about canonical URLs. The Buccaneers were transformed into a successful NFL side almost instantly after . Prior to Glazer's acquisition of the franchise, the Buccaneers had won just 87 games in 19 seasons and advanced to the postseason just three times. When he died in May 2014 after a long illness following a stroke. [74], Given the amount of debt on Manchester United's books at the time, some analysts estimated in 2010 that any takeover bid would have had to total more than 2billion, of which around 1.6billion would be needed to match the Glazers' valuation of the club double what they paid for the club in 2005. [5] First Allied invested in a diverse portfolio of international holdings and public companies including: Zapata Corporation, Houlihan's Restaurant group, Harley-Davidson, Formica, Tonka Toys, Specialty Equipment and Omega Protein. Manchester United Takeover: As the saga of Manchester United takeover goes on, the new obstacle in their path this time is the indecision of the six Galzer brothers. Most of the capital used by Glazer to purchase Manchester United came in the form of loans, the majority of which were secured against the club's assets, incurring interest payments of over 60million per annum. Additionally, the price of 6 billion which they have evaluated seems to be 1.5 billion too much from the maximum bid given by . Forbes ranked the Glazer Family as the 63rd richest family in the world in 2015, with a net worth of $4.7 billion. A number of banners have also been displayed in the stands at Old Trafford. Members of the Glazer family, which have owned the team for almost two decades, have hired a financial adviser to explore a full or partial sale, the club said. When and how did the Glazers take over Manchester United? The Glazer family business acquired the Bucs for $192 million in 1995. Manchester United was valued at around US$ 4.65 billion. The team is still owned by. In late 2020, the club's debt had risen by 133% to 474 million ($618m), with revenues impacted heavily by the Covid-19 pandemic. [10] Their 90% stake in the club was split equally among Glazer's six children. When the base closed, Glazer switched careers to real estate. The Buccaneers - owned by the Glazer family - thumped the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 to win the Super Bowl on February 7, 2021. The family also owns teams in the sports scene. The Glazers are the only owners in the Premier League to reguarly take out dividends, whilst the "club's" debt and consequent interest lies at around 582 million. [95] The club's debts were further remedied in May 2013, after a new loan deal was agreed that would save the club 10million a year in interest payments on debts now totalling around 307million. However, since the fortune of Malcolm Glazer was equally divided after his death between all his children, other members such as Bryan Glazer, Kevin Glazer. [54] The total amount was 660million, on which interest payments came to 62million a year. The Glazer family have released a statement and an apology to the Manchester United Fans' Forum, as they addressed the recent protests over their ownership and signing up to the now-collapsed . Malcolm Irving Glazer (August 15, 1928 - May 28, 2014) was an American businessman and sports team owner. The companys tax registration was moved from Old Trafford to the Cayman Islands in 2012, and the club has paid a yearly dividend, most of which goes to the Glazers, since 2015. Manchester United are currently owned by the six children of the late former owner Malcolm Glazer: Avram, Joel, Kevin, Bryan, Darcie and Edward Glazer. The Glazer family have owned NFL side Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 1995 and Avram Glazer bought a team in the new United Arab Emirates Twenty20 cricket league in 2021. In 2018, The Guardian reported that the Glazer takeover had drained United off more than 1 billion in interests, costs, fees and dividends that the Glazer family took for themselves since 2005. Following Manchester United's 40 victory over Milan in their Champions League first knockout round tie, former Manchester United player David Beckham was seen wearing a scarf that had been thrown onto the pitch; however, he later said that he was merely showing his support for Manchester United, and that the running of the club is "not [his] business".
